Delta College Soccer Players Honored with Post Season Awards
Kingsbury becomes first All-American
University Center, MI – The 2016 season was the sixth in the history of the Delta College women's soccer program but was the first in which the Pioneers had competed at the NJCAA Division III level after participating at the Division I level for the first five years. DC didn't miss a beat with the transition, however, as the Lady Pioneers went 10-3 on the year and qualified for post-season play. Their season ended in the first game of the regional as they dropped a controversial 4-3 decision to eventual national runner-up, Erie Community College.
The following rundown gives a glimpse into the individual awards handed out for individual players on the 2016-2017 team:
Gabrielle Kingsbury - Sophomore Center Midfielder - NJCAA D III 2nd Team All-American and named as a member of the MCCAA 1st team.
"Gabby is an outstanding player that sees the game like a coach," said Co-Head Coach Paul Stenglein. "She has the ability to make adjustments on the fly and can impact the game because of her decision making."
Kingsbury became the first All-American selection in the Delta College soccer program.
Ali Bourcier – Sophomore Keeper - NSCAA Junior College 1st Team Academic All-American as well as MCCAA 1st Team All- Conference
"Ali is an outstanding keeper that is extremely athletic and coachable," said Stenglein. "She is very difficult to beat and can cover the entire face of the goal."
Bourcier was a team caption for the Pioneers and after three complete semesters has a perfect 4.00 GPA.
"That alone made her a great choice as a 1st Team Academic All-American. I am so proud of what she has been able to accomplish on the field and in the classroom."
Gillian Carroll – Sophomore Defensive Midfield - MCCAA 1st Team All- Conference.
"Gillian is a very hardworking and driven player. She is very dependable, and that is why she helped anchor our defensive midfield. Her consistency and sound decision making has been a huge part of our success in our defensive group."
Paige Renshaw – Freshman Forward - MCCAA 1st Team All- Conference as well as a member of the MCCAA All-Freshman Team.
"Paige is a very hard worker, is extremely fast and is threat to opposing teams every time she is on the field."
Renshaw led the Pioneers with nine goals and 20 points on the season.
"I'm excited to see what she can accomplish next season as she becomes one of our veteran sophomore players."
Leah Johnson – Sophomore Outside Midfielder - MCCAA 2nd Team All- Conference.
"Leah is an extremely gifted player that is capable of taking control of the game for us," said Stenglein. "Her tough play both offensively and defensively was a big part of why we had our success this past season. (She) is an impact player that other coaches took note of when she was on the field."
Katherine Veit – Sophomore Defensive Back - NSCAA Junior College 2nd Team Academic All-American.
"Katherine takes her academic responsibilities as serious as her play on the field. She was one of our team captains, and her leadership on and off the field was important to our success. She was an amazing outside back for us, and her sound decision making was evident time and again throughout the season."
Veit maintained a 3.86 GPA en route to garnering her award.